One of the largest domestic rabbit breeds is the Flemish Giant Rabbit. If you are new to owning a Flemish giant rabbit or considering adopting one, there are a few things you need to know.
The daily requirements of Flemish giant rabbits are pretty much the same as those of smaller rabbits; however, their needs differ in this regard due to their size.
In this article, we will consider their living space needs and the amount of food they require. We also discuss grooming and the safest method to handle your giant rabbit. We answer your frequently asked questions.
How Big Do Flemish Giant Rabbits Get?
The average Flemish rabbit may grow to a height of two and a half feet and weighs approximately fifteen pounds. To put this in context, Flemish Giant rabbits are much larger than the average dog. A Flemish Giant is around six times the size of a typical rabbit. Their size may initially frighten you, yet they are just as cute as regular-sized rabbits.
Fun Fact: The biggest Flemish Giant rabbit on record, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is four feet, three inches (2010).
The National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders in the United States officially recognizes seven colors of Flemish Giant Rabbits.
- Dark blue coat with grayish-blue eyes.
- Jet black coat with brown eyes.
- Light gray coat with black tips and brown eyes.
- Sandy coat, almost reddish sandy in color with dark ticking and brown eyes.
- Fawn color coat that looks pale gold and has a white underbelly and brown eyes.
- Steel Gray, charcoal gray coat with flecks of light gray and brown eyes.
- Bright White coat with pink eyes.
How to Care for Flemish Giant Rabbits
Taking care of Flemish giant rabbits is similar to taking care of other rabbits. They are calm, sociable, and gentle. Often referred to as the gentle giants of the rabbit world, these bunnies are just as easy to care for as any other.
The only thing that distinguishes them is their size and weight.
Housing Your Flemish Giant
Flemish giant rabbits are big, and keeping them indoors or outdoors can be challenging. Consider whether you have enough space to house flemish giant rabbits either indoors or outdoors before adopting them. Flemish Giants can live safely both indoors and outside.
Another factor to consider is that rabbits are sociable creatures that need companionship; therefore, an additional rabbit as a companion should be factored in the amount of room they require.
An ordinary rabbit hutch is not big enough to house Flemish Giant rabbits. They require plenty of space to roam freely. Here are the guidelines for determining how much space rabbits require in their enclosures.
How Much Space Do Flemish Giants Needs?
At a bare minimum, every rabbit, including Flemish Giant breeds, requires:
- There should be enough horizontal room to hop three times in a row.
- Vertical space for it to stand on its hind legs without hitting the ceiling with its ears
- There is enough room on the floor to stretch out in all directions.
A large exercise area is also required for your Flemish Giant. Invest in a huge run – or many runs. Create a giant-sized play area on your lawn by fencing off a considerable part.
Rabbit-Proof Your Home
If your bunny’s playroom is inside, be sure that any location where your bunny will be is rabbit-proofed.
- Use a metal, not a wooden gate. Rabbits will chew right through a wooden gate.
- All wires and cables should be covered or removed.
- Protect the legs of furniture
- Baseboards should be covered or hidden.
- Many houseplants are toxic to rabbits, so get rid of them.
Nutritional Needs
Flemish Giants do not require any extra vitamins or minerals in their diet. They eat the same food as normal rabbits but in considerably larger quantities.
Hay should account for at least 80% of your rabbit’s daily diet. Vitamins and minerals are not required for Flemish Giants. They eat the same food as normal rabbits but in considerably larger quantities.
Water and grass hay are required indefinitely by all rabbits. A Flemish Giant will consume 3-5 handfuls of greens each day, compared to 1-2 handfuls for a normal-sized rabbit. Keep in mind that giant rabbits consume a lot more hay than little rabbits, so plan accordingly.
Handling a Flemish Giant Rabbit
Because most Flemish Giants despise being handled, only handle your rabbit is essential. These rabbits have powerful hind legs and may injure you severely if they kick you. If they feel threatened, Flemish Giants will bite you.
Here are some pointers to keep in mind in certain situations:
- Allowing children to lift a Flemish Giant is not a good idea.
- Before attempting to raise your rabbit, wait for them to approach you and pet them for a time.
- Because rabbits’ backbones are so fragile, they must be supported when being lifted. It’s critical to be quick and firm while exercising the least amount of constraint possible.
- Only try to lift your bunny off the ground.
How to Pick Up a Flemish Giant Rabbit Correctly
- To lift a giant rabbit, start by putting both hands beneath the bunny’s midsection.
- Keep one hand beneath the rabbit’s midsection as you lift it, and move the other down to hold the rabbit’s bottom.
- The rabbit should then be propped up on your shoulder with its head resting on your shoulder.
- One arm should snugly hold the rabbit’s midsection, while the other arm should support the rabbit’s bottom.
How to Groom Your Flemish Giant
Flemish giants don’t require much in grooming; however, they have very thick fur. As a result, grooming your rabbit once a week is necessary.
When too much fur is consumed, a condition known as GI stasis might develop. GI stasis can be fatal to rabbits.
When grooming your bunny, keep an eye out for:
You won’t have to give your Flemish Giant rabbit a thorough brushing. However, most rabbits like a gentle brushing with a slicker brush. Brushing your rabbit can also help you bond with him or her.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Flemish Giant Be House Trained?
Flemish Giant rabbits are ideal for homes and can easily be trained. You may start teaching them to use a litter box at a young age, so you don’t have to clean up as much. They’re also quite sociable and gentle and have a friendly demeanor.
How Fast Does the Flemish Giant Rabbit Grow?
Flemish Giant rabbits grow very quickly. By the time they are one year old, they could be the size of an adult rabbit, and they can weigh fifteen pounds.
Do Flemish Giant Rabbits Bite?
Flemish rabbits do become quite skittish, especially if they are handled roughly. They may bite and scratch you if it feels threatened. Always make sure that young children are supervised by an adult when they are near or playing with these big rabbits. Flemish giant rabbits can inflict some serious harm.
Is the Flemish Giant Right for Me?
Flemish Giant rabbits are gentle and sociable animals whose size should not deter you from adopting and loving them unconditionally. The only difference between a flemish giant rabbit and a standard rabbit is quantity.
Make sure you can afford the expenses of caring for a flemish giant before you adopt one. Flemish giants require additional food, a larger living area, and weekly grooming to avoid hairballs from causing GI stasis.
A Flemish Giant could be the ideal choice for you if you can provide them with the space, meals, and companionship they need.
